This bill mandates that Medicaid will cover community violence prevention services for individuals who have received medical treatment for injuries resulting from acts of community violence. To qualify for these services, individuals must be referred by a certified or licensed healthcare provider or social services provider who determines that the individual is at an elevated risk of further violence. The bill establishes a definition for "community violence" and outlines what constitutes "community violence prevention services," which includes evidence-based, trauma-informed support provided by certified professionals trained in violence prevention.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Health to approve a training and certification program for violence prevention professionals, ensuring that those providing these services are adequately trained and certified. The training program will consist of at least 35 hours of initial training covering trauma-informed care, community violence prevention strategies, case management, and patient privacy, along with six hours of continuing education every two years. The bill also sets requirements for entities employing certified violence prevention professionals, including maintaining documentation of their training and compliance with applicable standards of care, while prohibiting the use of the title "certified violence prevention professional" by individuals who have not completed the necessary certification.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6